One of the hallmarks of GTD is deciding how to handle information and doing so consistently.

This eliminates the need to ask yourself each time, “What do I do with this?” When you have to ponder each piece of information it slows you down. And you may even decide to overlook it when you are uncertain what to do with it. So…

the email with critical information about your project sits in your inbox.

the notes from the meeting stays on one of your many pads of paper.

the flyer from your kid’s school is somewhere.

And it swims about in your head, leaving you feel inundated by all the information.

When you process your information, using one of the many different types of containers in a consistent manner, you will work more efficiently and you will feel less overwhelmed. Some common containers are:

Once you make a decision about what to do with certain types of information, each time you get a similar piece of information you will know what to do with it.

Keeping Current

And then you have to keep these systems up to date.

As David Allen points out, if you do not keep current with your systems, you will not trust them. And if you do not trust them, you will not be motivated to keep your external systems going because you just “know” that there is something missing.

So, you will go back to relying on your brain. And, as an adult with ADHD, you know that your brain is not a reliable place to store information! You can’t be sure that you will be able to access it when you need it.

“I should have mentioned that point in the meeting.”

“Darn, I meant to mail that package last Monday.”

“Sorry, I forgot that meeting was at 1:00.”

The habit of updating all of your systems consistently during your weekly review will help you trust that you are current and keep you motivated to keep the systems going, rather than trying to rely on your head.

As you build this second habit of keeping current, you will become more confident that you are on top of your tasks and reduce your frustration immeasurably.

As long as you can see the reminders when you need them.

Seeing Reminders When You Need Them

Will you see it?

When you are working on a project you want to see the whole picture, so you keep all of the information about each project together.

And when you are in a meeting and promise to make a phone call, you write it on the pad of paper where you are taking notes.

When you want to remember an errand, like picking up your clothes at the cleaner, you write it on a sticky and put it on your computer.

But what you really want is to able to see each of the above examples of tasks in the context when you will be able to take action. So, the third habit that is critical to be able to working efficiently is having your reminders in a place where you can see them when that action is likely to occur. You want to be able to see:

the next actions for all your projects when you are ready to work.

phone calls when you can make phone calls.

all of your errands when you are out and about in your car.

One way to do this is to use a task manager so you can filter and sort your tasks to be able to see them how you need.

ADDed Perspectives Bottom Line

Building the three habits of handling information consistently, keeping current and seeing your tasks by context will help you work more efficiently and effectively.

It will take time.

And, if you need support in building these habits, feel free to contact me for a complimentary Strategy Session. We can talk about how I can help you.

I've never felt as hopeful as I am now. Marla's reassuring voice and straightforward manner helped me to internalize a consistent approach to each problem.
Before I was frazzled, couldn't do what I needed to do and felt like a fraud professionally. When things weren't working before I saw it as a personal failing. We figured out what I needed to do. And now stuff is not falling through my fingers and I'm not surprised by things that come up professionally.
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Knowing I had adhd was only 25% of the battle for me. I’m so glad that I chose to stay committed to coaching. Now that I have more self awareness about myself and my adhd I trust myself to get what I need done. I don’t try to do too much anymore and when I’ve done all I can on my own I’m more willing to reach out for support. My production is way higher than I expected, but I’m also way less stressed and that makes it easier on a personal level at home too.

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Before working with Marla I got by by winging it but I was not keeping up with the flow of information and I wasn’t managing my time productively. I was often reactive and overwhelmed. I didn’t even think I could be productive…
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I have a lot more peace of mind, less stress, much less anxiety… I feel that we make progress in every session and always feel more confident that I am learning skills that will help me personally and professionally.
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— T.D., Sales Professional

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...while working with Marla, I have been able to move into a career that I have always wanted to be in. I spent many years with undiagnosed ADD not knowing why I had such difficulty with staying focused, starting projects and having difficulty finishing them, unable to prioritize what I needed to do in my life, and many of the other symptoms. I finally sought help through a physician who recommended taking medication. It was also suggested I find an ADD coach to help me re-learn new ways of managing my ADD. I contacted Marla, and after the first conversation I felt comfortable enough to give the coaching a try.
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